Pakistan, Russia to cooperate across key sectors

Protocol signed to enhance EV assembly, eCommerce, pharmaceuticals, agricultural machinery, etc

ISLAMABAD:

Russia has pledged extensive support to Pakistan across key industrial sectors, including the local assembly of electric vehicles, such as buses, to enhance market competitiveness.

As per the protocol signed between the two nations, cooperation in the supply and assembly of electric vehicles will be prioritised. The Russian company Sinara-Transport Machines JSC has shown keen interest in this collaboration.

The Federal Agency on Technical Regulating and Metrology (GOST R) and the Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) are set to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on standardisation, metrology, and conformity assessment before the next Commission meeting.

Both sides expressed mutual interest in e-commerce development, particularly in creating digital platforms and technologies to facilitate trade and cross-border transactions.

Russia is ready to provide modern railway equipment, including tracks, rolling stock, maintenance machinery, and urban electric transport, to connect Pakistan's railway infrastructure to the North-South International Transport Corridor.

The nations also explored cooperation in agricultural machinery and food processing equipment, with possibilities for local assembly in Pakistan. Russian firms like Rostselmash LLC, Petersburg Tractor Plant JSC, TK Koblik LLC, Pegas-Agro JSC, and Salskselmash LLC have shown interest in these initiatives.

Mining sector collaboration was another focal point, with discussions on information exchange and the supply of mining equipment.

Both countries agreed to expand cooperation in pharmaceuticals and medical devices, including joint ventures for manufacturing therapeutic and diagnostic equipment such as MRI machines, microscopes, and mechano-therapy devices.

Zavod Medsintez LLC expressed interest in localising diabetes medicine production in Pakistan, following a successful virtual inspection of its facilities by DRAP. Efforts will also be made to expedite regulatory approvals and pricing negotiations.

Discussions extended to improving Pakistani food supplements' access to the Russian market and procuring polio vaccines. Pakistan welcomed further talks between both nations' pharmaceutical companies.

Russia agreed to review Pakistani dossiers on heat-treated beef and mutton, ensuring swift outcomes. Pakistan has requested Russian investment in agricultural projects, especially shrimp and fish farming, and Russia has committed to considering such proposals.

Efforts are underway to include Pakistani seafood companies in Russia's Register of third-country enterprises. Pakistan also expressed its intention to finalise an MoU on pesticide and agrochemical safety by December 10, 2024.

Pakistan will review Russian requests for veterinary certificates for food and aquatic products. This includes fish, crustaceans, mollusks, live aquatic animals, and ready-to-eat meat products. Pakistan is also working to resolve payment issues for the FMD vaccine supplied by ARRIAH, aiming to resume vaccinations after successful trials.

Both countries emphasised improving market access for Pakistani sports goods, sportswear, food supplements, and regulated agricultural products in Russia. Additionally, Pakistan will continue its collaboration with Russian authorities to register rice establishments.

These developments signify a new era of cooperation between Russia and Pakistan, with wide-ranging industrial projects aimed at fostering growth, innovation, and mutual benefit.